Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to India to be “memorable”, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi said as uncertainty continues over the visit amid fresh tensions between New Delhi and Dhaka. Rahman is expected to travel to New Delhi for the BRICS summit on September 12-13, but the proposed visit comes against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s demand for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in India.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka for Bangladeshi business leaders and a visiting Confederation of Indian Industry delegation, Trivedi said Modi had conveyed that the two leaders should meet. He also said the Indian prime minister had assured that Rahman would receive an appropriate welcome when he visits India. “We need to meet,” Trivedi said, referring to Modi’s message, while stressing that stronger engagement between the two leaders could ultimately benefit people and businesses on both sides of the border. The envoy also called for the two countries to address their past differences without allowing them to hold back future cooperation. According to him, disagreements are natural between vibrant democracies and should be dealt with through dialogue rather than allowing relations to become stagnant.

The remarks come at a particularly sensitive point in India-Bangladesh relations. Dhaka has been seeking Hasina’s extradition from India since she fled the country following violent student-led protests in August 2024. Tensions increased again after Hasina took part in a virtual media interaction from New Delhi on August 5, prompting a strong reaction from Bangladesh. Dhaka said the event had hurt public sentiment and could affect efforts to improve relations. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has said it had no role in the event and does not endorse statements made there about the Bangladesh government. Bangladesh has also sought Hasina’s extradition after she was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in November 2025 over alleged crimes against humanity during the crackdown on protesters. New Delhi has said the request is being examined under applicable law and established legal procedures.

Trivedi, meanwhile, placed emphasis on what he described as the need to look towards a “new Bangladesh”, particularly its younger population. He said India wanted to work with Bangladesh to create more opportunities for its youth, arguing that the two countries share history, culture and aspirations beyond their common border. He also highlighted the role of businesses in rebuilding trust, with the CII delegation in Dhaka exploring possibilities for greater trade, investment and industrial cooperation. The envoy said private companies could help create employment and economic opportunities while also strengthening people-to-people connections.

For New Delhi, the proposed Rahman visit could provide an opportunity for direct political engagement at a time when several issues remain unresolved. Trivedi stressed that mutual and unconditional trust would be necessary for a durable relationship and referred to India’s Neighbourhood First policy. Whether the September visit goes ahead as proposed, and what discussions take place if it does, will likely depend on how the two sides manage the continuing disagreements over Hasina and other bilateral concerns. For now, the Indian envoy’s comments signal that New Delhi remains interested in keeping the door open for high-level engagement with Dhaka.